Two of the most important considerations for your outdoor kitchen are your cabinetry and countertop materials. At Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens, we highly recommend our powder coated stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinetry.
While we do not manufacture countertops, we recognize the importance of choosing durable and attractive materials. The best countertop materials are easy to clean, require minimal maintenance, and have a variety of color and style options. Most importantly, the best materials will withstand different climates and harsh weather conditions.
These features are important to consider when you make your countertop selection. In this article, we discuss various countertop materials and design ideas to assist you with your decision.
Countertop Materials and Considerations
Some of the most popular outdoor countertop materials include granite, tile, sintered stone, and stainless steel. When building an outdoor kitchen, an ideal countertop material will complement your outdoor kitchen with beauty, limited maintenance, and durability.
For outdoor cooking areas, resistance to heat from cooking appliances is very important. As such, you should choose a material that will resist warping or cracking from heat. It should also resist effects from moisture, food stains, and the sun.
Sintered Stone
Sintered stone is one of the best materials for outdoor kitchen countertops. Brands like Lapitec® have pioneered the process of mixing natural and pure minerals to achieve their surfaces. Unlike natural stones, sintered stone countertops are resistant to weather effects and scratches, are anti-bacterial, non-porous, and stain resistant. Its durability makes it the perfect pairing to stainless steel cabinetry.
Stainless Steel
Although bare stainless steel can eventually rust outdoors, keeping it clean and dry is an important step for maintenance. Stainless steel is a common choice for countertop material because it is durable and non-porous. It is also extremely resistant to heat and cold. When paired with stainless steel cabinetry, it can create a very striking appearance.
Tile
A common tile material for the outdoors is porcelain. Porcelain is non-porous and performs well in different temperatures. Tile countertops are available in a variety of colors, but the finish can chip and scratch. If you need to replace tiles later, matching can be difficult.
Granite
When sealed regularly, granite retains its integrity. Resealing helps prevent stains and mold, especially outdoors. It will not fade in the sun, and it performs well under heat. You can source granite countertops in a range of colors and patterns.
Concrete
Concrete is a durable outdoor countertop material. You can stain it the color of your choosing, and you can even incorporate colored tiles into it. Pouring it into shape makes it easy to achieve the dimensions necessary for a variety of configurations. Concrete is porous, so sealing a concrete countertop is crucial.
Soapstone
Since soapstone is non-porous, it is a low-maintenance countertop option. It is resistant to weather effects as well. Soapstone’s main drawback is that it is soft, making it likely to scratch under normal use.
Marble
If you choose marble countertops for your outdoor kitchen, you must regularly seal them. Otherwise, the finish will stain and break down over time. It is still a highly durable stone, so it will remain a workable surface. The appearance, however, will likely become weathered and stained.
Stone
Stone veneer is a common countertop material. Designers often use stone veneer as backsplash material, which creates a seamless appearance when used as a countertop. Stones are available in a multitude of finishes and colors.
Choosing a Countertop Material for Your Danver Outdoor Kitchen
By considering the pros and cons of each material, you can narrow down your selections. Choose a material that is suitable for outdoor use and as durable as our outdoor cabinetry.
Ensure that your countertop will be resistant to water, stains, and sun exposure. It should be able to withstand both cold and hot temperatures. Additionally, make sure it will not crack or break easily.
Our stainless steel kitchens have these important properties that make them last a long time outdoors. Available in 304 and 316 grade, our cabinetry is highly durable in virtually all types of weather conditions.
We offer a multitude of cabinetry styles (base, wall, appliance, and more) to suit every outdoor space. When powder coated, our cabinetry requires limited maintenance to maintain its functionality and appearance.
With a wide variety of colors and materials available for countertops, the choice comes down to your personal style preferences. Choose a durable countertop that complements your Danver outdoor kitchen, as it delivers long-lasting performance.
This article is based on industry knowledge and research by outdoor kitchen design professionals, including our in-house experts and engineers with decades of experience.Our goal at Danver is to provide factual information on relevant topics to help readers make informed decisions about their outdoor living spaces.
This article uses trusted sources with references hyperlinked to the source material.
